Enel connects its first solar PV plant in South Africa

Enel Green Power has connected a 10 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in South Africa- the Italian company's first in the nation. The Upington plant, located in the province of Northern Cape, is expected to produce nearly 20 million kilowatt hours annually. Enel's plant will help South Africa meet its goal of generating 3.7 gigawatts of installed renewable energy by 2016.

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In November, the company made a splash in the South African renewable energy market with the announcement of plans to install four solar projects in the country (Aurora, Tom Burke, Paleisheweul and Pulida). The new solar installations are planned for development in four areas in South Africa that have high levels of solar radiation - Northern Cape, Western Cape, Free State and Limpopo. After obtaining energy supply contracts with South African utility Eskom, Enel will eventually install more than 300 MW of solar.

Enel is also set to build two wind power projects in South Africa totaling nearly 200 MW. All six clean energy projects are scheduled for completion by 2016.

Enel has a presence in a total of 21 countries and will focus on expanding in emerging markets as part of its business strategy, according to the company's site.